Before & After: Mid-Century for a New Century

Joy'd been stalking Craigslist for months in search of the perfect armchair for her living room, but finally struck gold at her favorite thrift store (and by gold...we mean orangey-brown) for a mere 17 clams. Says Joy, "I like to think that it found me. Atrocious orange? Check. Disintegrating foam? Check. Beautiful bones? Check. Check."

After much searching for the perfect fabric that wouldn't break the bank, Joy decided on a dove-colored Herringbone that, while it was a little pricier up front, will wear beautifully over time. Combined with the price of re-upholstery ("I have tackled a few basic projects, but I know my limitations," says Joy), the final cost for her custom chair was comparable to an off-the-shelf-version.